Community Over Coffee

Stanley began our program in November after completing Charlotte Rescue Mission's 120-day drug and alcohol program Rebound for men. He battled addiction for years before finally seeking treatment. "Eventually, I really got sick and tired of being sick and tired and I came here," Stanley says. "And now I'm glad I did." After going home for the holidays, Stanley's friends and family were amazed to see the transformation in not only his physical appearance but overall wellbeing. "They were proud of me. They told me to keep up the good work." 💙

In our latest Community Over Coffee podcast episode, meet one of our students, Nicole!  Nicole joined our team in September after graduating from Dove's Nest, Charlotte Rescue Mission's recovery program for women and families. After hearing about our Life Skills Program for the first time, she immediately knew that it was something she had to be a part of. "I can learn how to live all over again, the right way," Nicole shares with us in our latest podcast episode.  Throughout the past few months, Nicole has thrived in our program, maintaining a positive attitude and re-learning essential life skills that were once lost. "From where I come from and what I've been through, it's a whole new world for me. I'm happy and excited."

Meet Tony, a student in our Life Skills Training Program at Community Matters Cafe.  Tony came to Rebound in February and decided that the Life Skills Program was the next best step for him in his recovery process. He has enjoyed every part of his experience in the program. He says "I can smile today because I'm not that same broken man I came here being."  He is graduating from the Life Skills Program on November 21st. This will be his first graduating from anything and he is eager to put on his cap and gown.  He is happy for the support and love that people have shown him that helped him get to this point. Tony is hopeful for the doors that God will open for him and all the opportunities he will have after graduation. Continue listening to his story and see how Community Matters Cafe has helped change his life.

Meet Jenny, our very talented Restaurant Manager!  Jenny has 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry and was ready to leave and explore a different career path before she was offered a job here. "I felt like I really couldn't say no because of the mission," shares Jenny in our latest podcast episode. "It's much more rewarding and I feel like I'm doing something that's really helping people."  Her favorite part of her job is working with the students in the front-of-house and seeing them grow throughout their time in the program. "I've just had nothing but enthusiasm and positivity from them and it's just been really great to see how they grow and change." Listen to more from Jenny through the link in our bio.

Listen to the latest Community Over Coffee podcast episode, where we sit down with Zach, a new student in our Life Skills Training Program.  Zach started off in the Rebound men's program at Charlotte Rescue Mission, an intensive 120-day substance abuse recovery program. At Rebound is where he focused on his recovery, and now he's focusing on managing his recovery while being in a work environment. When asked what excites him the most about being in this program, Zach said, "Just working again and being around people. This is a chance to prove myself and show that I can still do what I need to."

In the latest Community Over Coffee podcast, we talk to Dennis about what his time at the cafe has been like.  He opens up about how Rebound and Community Matters Cafe has had a tremendous impact on his life, and how thankful he is for this program. He is grateful for the customers and donors of Community Matters Cafe and says "I think that you're all a blessing to a lot of people because this cafe helps a lot of people." He is looking forward to what life after graduation will entail for him and is hopeful for his future.  

In our new podcast episode, catch up with Angela. Angela graduated from our Life Skills Training Program last month and recently came by the cafe to check in with everyone. "The support doesn't go away," she shares. "This cafe is here for me as long as I come and I know this is a safe place." Before she left, we had the pleasure of sitting down with her and capturing her very powerful story... listen in.

In our latest podcast, meet Christina. Christina is currently halfway through our Life Skills Training Program and has fully embraced every second of her time with us - especially in the kitchen. “I want to be a pastry chef, so my absolute favorite part of the program was when I was in the pastry department,” she shares with us. “It’s so exciting to see something come from nothing.” Listen to more through the link in our bio. ✨

Meet Kevin, a rising sophomore at Davidson College who has been interning with us this summer.  “Hope is the belief and the faith that there is a better future,” Kevin explains. “And this summer, I got to see, hear, and contribute first hand in the restoration of hope.”  In our latest podcast, listen to Kevin share what he’s taken away from his internship with us, which is something far greater than just a new skill. 

Steve is a student (and soon to be graduate!) in our Life Skills Training Program who has really demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and better his life these past few months.  "I'm looking for permanency," he shares in our latest podcast episode. "I want to see my name on a lease. I want a job that's not disposable. I want to acclimate back into the community, and this [program] has been such a good experience."

 “That’s taking somebody who thought they would die in addiction or die alone in prison to a place where they’re thriving and not just surviving," shares Ed Price, Director of Life Skills Operations.  In this podcast episode, listen to Ed share stories of several students, some currently enrolled and some graduated, whose lives have already been positively transformed and impacted by the Community Matters Cafe Life Skills Training Program. 

Listen to Paula Elkins, our Cafe Manager, as she reflects on all of the successes and challenges our students are facing behind the Community Matters Cafe coffee shop counter.

"The day before my three job interviews, I found out I was accepted into the program. I gave up trying to make the decision and just said, 'God, what do you want me to do?' and He said, 'Spend more time with Me.'" Listen to Lawrence, Community Matters Cafe student, as he shares how being in a work environment that supports substance abuse recovery is helping him in so many ways.

Cindy is a Dove's Nest graduate and Community Matters Cafe student, working so hard to help get this venture started and learning so many skills and lessons along the way. 

Jeremy Coffey, founder of the non-profit organization Good Soles, personally handed out slip-resistant shoes to all of the students enrolled in the Community Matters Cafe Life Skills Training Program.  Good Soles, along with help from Zachry Group construction, is truly helping to eliminate the struggle that many have when it comes to acquiring appropriate shoes for work, whether it's working in a construction site or in a cafe!

In this episode of Community Over Coffee, we sat down with Community Matters Cafe executive staff including Rita Clyburn, Clinical Director of Student Services and Tony Marciano, CEO and President of Charlotte Rescue Mission. In this discussion, you'll learn some details of our Life Skills Training Program and overall how it's going to far. You'll also learn some interesting facts on how addiction affects the brain and how it impacts the lives of those we serve.  

Eager to learn more about the students in our first cohort? Listen to this episode to get to know Anthony a little better!

Curious about how Charlotte Rescue Mission got the idea for Community Matters Cafe? Listen to the Mission’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kristin Kelly Blinson tell the whole story of the cafe and how a dream turned into a reality.

Hey listeners. In this episode, we sat down with a group of our students from Charlotte Rescue Mission - Rebound. We asked them to imagine standing on stage at graduation after completing our Life Skills Training Program and to describe all of the feelings they would have at that moment. Their responses are heartwarming... listen in.

Hey everyone, Rachel here. I sat down with four of our cafe students yesterday coming from the Dove's Nest women's program and asked them to reflect on their first week of training and share some key takeaways.